ELIGIBILITY:

Target group:

Highly qualified early-career researchers from all academic fields who are pursuing a PhD in their home country, including young medical doctors.

Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland (see eligibility criteria for exceptions).

Criteria:

Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2027 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2027).

Date of birth after 31 December 1991.

Detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities.

Applicants must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland (including a short CV).

Selection criteria:

Academic profile, research competence, and motivation

Originality and methodological quality of the project

Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration

If the applicant already resides in Switzerland, the date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2026 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).

Duration:

Maximum of 12 months (6 months at minimum)

No extensions possible

Start date: 1 September 2027

Before contacting a potential supervisor:

Academic relevance: Check whether the academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution is conducting research in your desired field.

Self-assessment: Make sure that your skills and credentials meet all the requirements for the desired scientific collaboration.

Thorough research: Be precise. For example, verify the degree requirements relevant to your intended scholarship before reaching out.

Keep in mind: The search for an academic supervisor can take weeks or even months, as professors receive many inquiries.

Please note: The application for a PhD scholarship, including the letter of support from a host supervisor, and the application for admission to a doctoral programme at a Swiss higher education institution are two separate procedures.

Key elements of the scholarship application:

Complete CV including educational background, degrees, awards, positions, publications, teaching, and practical experience.

Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages): reasons for stay in Switzerland, significance for future career and professional plans after the scholarship.

Research proposal: a detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities. To be submitted on the FCS/ESKAS form (max. 5 pages, including a summary for non-specialists). The form can be downloaded in the online application.

Letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution.

Short CV (max. 2 pages) from this academic supervisor.

For research fellowships: short CV of the academic supervisor at the home university.

For PhD scholarships at graduate schools only: confirmation of admission to graduate school (see FAQ for more details).

E-mail addresses of two different professors in the relevant academic field must be provided during the online application. Those professors will be contacted through the application system and asked to upload a recommendation letter (FCS/ESKAS form).

Copies of certificates and transcripts from previous universities (if not in English, French, Italian, or German, with certified translations).

For India: self-certification accepted.

Copy of passport (dual citizens submit copies of both passports).

Copy of residence permit or of registration confirmation if already residing in Switzerland.

BENEFIT:

Scholarship amount: CHF 2,450 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person

This scholarship is not a salary and must therefore not be treated as equivalent to regular remuneration, either financially or legally.